I´m interested in Elektron devices but still have some questions…
Octatrack:
Is it possible to use round robin? So for example 8 samples of the same 808 clap? And most important: is it possible to save the round robin “group” in a kind of global preset? Or do I have to repeat the work in every project?
I have 8 drum tracks and want to have an external effect for the clap and then glue it together again … Is that possible?
What can Octatrack do what Push 2 can`t? (Elektron Sequencer = step automation ??)
Rytm:
If I load samples into the rytm they become mono and will be shot through the analog circuits… Is there any processing like saturation? If not … why the sample function?
Why should someone spend so much many for a drum machine? I mean its just a limited amount of sounds you can get… With the Analog4 there is much mor variety…
General:
Are there crashes of the OS? Did you ever experienced one?
I read about some weird LCD screen issues on all devices… Is that fixed?
You can slice a sample that contains 8 clap hits and trigger each slice either specifically on a given sequencer step or linearly/randomly with time by using a tempo-synced LFO to select the slice number.
Samples can be stored globally for use in any project but have to be assigned to a slot within the current project for use. If you wanted, you could make a template project that you could re-use.
Yes. You can use the Cue outputs as effects sends and the inputs as effects returns into the OT’s mixer. See page 122 of the manual.
Some people report occasional hang ups but I have not personally had an OT crash.
A few users have reported having dark patches on the screens of their AF/AKs and ARs. This seems mostly to be where the instrument has been switched off for a long time and in most cases the problem is alleviated by using the instrument. I haven’t heard of a change in production to address this issue.
I can reply you here, first Push 2 standalone gives you nothing without Ableton Live. You can’t ask a question like that because you choose to work on (Out The Box) an Octatrack rather than (In the Box) on a Computer because of the workflow, because of very fast access to everything, because you find more inspiring… etc… But it’s not on what it can’t do or what it can basically computer can do everything. But certain people think that limitation rather than everything inspire them most…
Also if on ableton Live (with Push or not) you set 8 Audio + 8 midi VST + 16 filter + 16 eq + 32 Effects you probably have some CPU problem at some point… Octatrack will handle it perfectly.
But it’s not what she can’t do or can… Computer in some way can lead you to nonsense, you can be tempted to going on facebook, receive an email, get a virus or malware, try to make something and lost yourself to finally going to make something other…
With the Octatrack you will make music and experiment. And that’s effective ! Because you buy an OT to make Music you buy a computer to make everything ! But if you want to be effective and make music only sometimes computer can lead you to don’t make what you firstly intend to do.
Ok, I can save the sample global for use in project. But is it necessary to repeat the LFO assign again and again in every project if I wont use template projects? For example I want to add some round robin claps to an existing project…
You have an Overdrive and Distortion. Why Sample function ? See what’s Layering is and you will understand. Also Sample could give you the possibility to make every other things than RYTM Synthesis can’t… (Voice, Chords, FX, noise every sample you can add to go further than only drums)
I’m sorry but it’s a matter of taste and skills. I like to have one Box for one goal… so if i buy a synth it’s to make synth sounds. If i have a Drum Machine if to make drums. To me it’s more effective when i doing my Live … I have my Drums to my Left My Sample/Loop and Midi to some other box basically my OT is my DAW but in Hardware way in front of me and my Synth on my Right.
Also when i design Sounds i’m focus to make what i want to make… i will not start to build drums and finnish with something i don’t need for that track i’m working. it just i think at least to me to be focus like that is resulting a more effective work at the end.
There are all sort of cool things that can be done with the samples as well. Parameter locking start/end point, setting an LFO to modulate the sample selection (glitchtastic!) and more. Not just simply playing dry samples.
Yes hotscience but i think and i’m honest… Computer can do everything like what you said. i think it’s not on this aspect someone choose an Octatrack versus a computer…
I think it’s also Human Nature… if you focus on a computer it’s fine. i can’t be focus on a computer. And i would like to make music so to me Hardware is like a guitar i take my guitar and i can do only music with it that’s i think the most important thing of hardware generally speaking
Yes, the limitations of a closed ecosystem can be quite inspiring I guess. Thats why Im looking for such devices. But of course it would be also cool if that devices can do some cool fx which are difficult to recreate in a DAW.
And if you are serious and BUY everything. Homestudio Computer based is not less expansive. Sure if you’re a gear porn to get 20 vintage things it’s not the same. BUT on a hardware set which can do everything let’s say 1 Sampler + 1 synth + 1 drumMachine is more or less = to a Good Computer + few VST buyed… And if it’s cost a bit more, to me i buy the “effective” notion to make music only and not be diverted/lost by the computer.
I would say that OT offers a tactile experience that I haven’t been able to replicate in a DAW environment. Computers can do more, and in a way to it better than hardware (hehe arguably) but sometimes the ability to do “anything” isn’t always what works best with people creatively. Sometimes the ability to load hundreds of VST effects, instruments, and other devices leads to many hours of tweaking and micro-perfecting. This suits some, but doesn’t suit me - I’m a jammer. Wether it’s on bass, guitar, or a synth.
I originally purchased the rytm because I love raw analog sounds and I wanted some nice pads to bang out drum beats. I was planning originally to use it in conjunction with a DAW, but I’ve since realized the elektron workflow is so completely free and flowing that I’ve ditched the laptop altogether and replaced it with 4 elektrons & a zoom field recorder
I think as with any musical instrument - you get out of it what you put into it. If you practice and have passion, you will sound good. You can achieve the same by practicing and putting your passion into a laptop. It’s all preference - what do you like to lay your hands on and make sounds !
Also on Ableton you will have to MAP every control
Octatrack everything is kind of already mapped for you… and you can use your Two hand to tweak shape the sounds, on a computer you stuck to the mouse or one hand. It can lead to make something in two times with automation (unless you map on a controller)
Btw another Octatrack question I forgot… Can I use for example 1 voice sample and play chords with it (for ex. with 3rd and 5th)? Or would that require 3 of the 8 tracks?
